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“He was probably going to the Orchard Centre to buy some seafood, or some tickets for a film as we have just become members of Didcot film club.

“Later on there was a knock on the door and it was the police.

“Paul had been cycling since the age of 11 and would go out two or three times a week for rides around Blewbury and the villages. As far as I know he had never been knocked off his bike before, although he did talk about the roads getting busier. “Paul was such a fit man. He didn’t have any health problems and didn’t deserve this.”

Neighbour Terry Dunwoody, 62, a retired IT consultant, said he and his wife Jane, 61, were shocked by Mr Welch’s death. He added: “He was a very pleasant chap and would mow our lawn for us when we were away – we really feel for the family.

“He was a very experienced cyclist and I would often see him out on his old-style racer.”